Gemotions

"No, no, no," Sarah whispered, her voice barely audible. The email on her laptop screen danced before her eyes. It was a joke, a sick prank. It *had* to be. She blinked, trying to clear her vision, but the words remained. The reality settled like a cold stone in her stomach.

She slammed the laptop shut with a loud *thwack*, startling herself. The sudden movement sent a sharp pain through her shoulder. Her hands were clammy, her palms slick. She felt a hysterical giggle bubble up from her chest, threatening to erupt. She pressed her lips together, willing it to stay inside. She needed to be strong, to sort through the chaos. But where to even begin?